Sinsuran Night Market Kota Kinabalu
A bustling night market in Kota Kinabalu famous for its fresh, grilled seafood and vibrant local atmosphere, offering a taste of Sabahan culture.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Sinsuran Night Market Kota Kinabalu
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A bustling night market in Kota Kinabalu famous for its fresh, grilled seafood and vibrant local atmosphere, offering a taste of Sabahan culture.
"Explore stalls for the best price and they will cook for you for free according to your selection."
Negotiate Prices Wisely
Always compare prices and negotiate firmly. Don't fall for sweet talk; focus on serious price and quality.
Choose Clean Stalls
Take your time to find the cleanest stalls for a better dining experience. Hygiene matters!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Fresh Seafood Galore
Throughout the market
Indulge in a wide array of fresh seafood, from lobsters and giant prawns to crabs and fish, cooked to your liking.
Dry Seafood Market
Opposite Le Méridien Kota Kinabalu
Explore stalls selling dried seafood like ikan bilis and other local delicacies. A great spot for souvenirs!
Local Performances
Various spots in the market
Enjoy unique traditional dances and music performances by local artists, adding a vibrant cultural touch to your evening.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Seafood Savvy: Navigating Sinsuran
Beat the Heat & Crowds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Negotiate Prices Wisely
Always compare prices and negotiate firmly. Don't fall for sweet talk; focus on serious price and quality.
Choose Clean Stalls
Take your time to find the cleanest stalls for a better dining experience. Hygiene matters!
Wear Breathable Clothes
It can get hot and humid. Opt for light, comfortable attire to stay cool.
Be Wary of Pushy Vendors
Some vendors can be quite persistent. Be polite but firm in your decisions.
Tips
from all over the internet
Negotiate Prices Wisely
Always compare prices and negotiate firmly. Don't fall for sweet talk; focus on serious price and quality.
Choose Clean Stalls
Take your time to find the cleanest stalls for a better dining experience. Hygiene matters!
Wear Breathable Clothes
It can get hot and humid. Opt for light, comfortable attire to stay cool.
Be Wary of Pushy Vendors
Some vendors can be quite persistent. Be polite but firm in your decisions.
Explore Beyond the First Stall
Don't settle for the first vendor. Browse around for better deals and variety.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Sinsuran Night Market is celebrated for its abundant fresh seafood and vibrant local atmosphere, offering a chance to experience authentic Sabahan culture. While many praise the variety and potential for good value, some visitors caution about pushy vendors, inconsistent food quality, and slow service. It's a place where savvy negotiation and careful selection are key to a rewarding experience.
"Not worth it. Try to avoid eating at this market, coz they will throw nice promises on the table but when you done eating, promises is gone. Dont fall for sweat talker and they abit pushy especially the 1st shop. Food was slow and send the wrong order to our table"
ASP
"A night market with various seafood selection. The foods are fresh, do browse around the market for the best price and the will cook for you for free according to your selection. Crowded during the weekends and can be a bit hot, do come with comfortable and breathable outfits."
Fieza Zulkifly
"here you can get fresh seafood and olease choose wisely those BBQ Seafood because there are many sellers will put expensive price for the food just because you are tourist. Please be careful on that and always negotiable on food price."
Veeraphandian Jagaveran
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Sinsuran Night Market is conveniently located opposite Le Méridien Kota Kinabalu, making it easily accessible from the city center. You can take a short taxi ride, use ride-sharing apps like Grab, or even walk if you're staying nearby.
Parking can be challenging during peak hours. It's advisable to use ride-sharing services or public transport if possible. If driving, look for designated parking areas nearby.
The market typically opens daily from around 5 PM to midnight, but it's always a good idea to check for any seasonal changes or specific holiday hours.
Yes, the market is designed for walking and exploring. Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be on your feet browsing the stalls.
Yes, local buses and taxis frequently pass through the area. Check with your accommodation for the most convenient bus routes.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no entrance fee to visit Sinsuran Night Market. You only pay for the food and goods you purchase.
Tickets are not required for entry. It's a walk-in market, so you can visit anytime during its operating hours.
To avoid the biggest crowds, try visiting on a weekday evening or arriving earlier, between 5 PM and 7 PM. Weekends are generally busier.
There is no formal dress code, but it's highly recommended to wear light, breathable clothing due to the tropical climate and potential heat.
While not explicitly stated, it's always a good practice to ask vendors if they accept reusable containers. Many are becoming more eco-conscious.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The market is renowned for its fresh seafood, including lobsters, prawns, crabs, and various fish. You can also find local snacks, fruits, and drinks.
Vendors display their seafood, and you select what you want. They will then cook it for you. Prices can vary significantly, so it's crucial to compare and negotiate.
While seafood is the main attraction, you can often find stalls selling local fruits, vegetables, and some snacks that might be suitable for vegetarians. It's best to inquire directly at the stalls.
The price of seafood can be expensive if you don't negotiate well. However, compared to some restaurants, it can offer good value if you shop around.
The seafood is generally fresh, but quality can vary between vendors. Choosing a clean and reputable stall is key. Some reviews mention slow service or incorrect orders.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the vibrant atmosphere, the colorful displays of fresh seafood, local performers, and the bustling crowds. The sunset views can also be stunning.
It's generally acceptable to take photos, but it's always polite to ask for permission, especially if you're focusing on a specific vendor or person.
The golden hour just before sunset offers beautiful lighting for photos. The market truly comes alive after dark with vibrant lights, making evening photography very rewarding.
The rows of seafood stalls, the dry seafood market section, and areas where local performers are active offer great photographic potential.
A versatile lens like a 24-70mm or a fast prime lens (e.g., 50mm f/1.8) is great for low-light conditions. A wide-angle lens can capture the market's expanse.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
couples
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Mastering the Seafood Hunt
Once you've chosen your seafood, most stalls will offer to cook it for you on the spot, often for free or a minimal charge. Popular cooking methods include grilling, steaming, and stir-frying. This means you can customize your meal exactly to your liking. However, be aware that some visitors have reported issues with slow service or incorrect orders, so it's wise to confirm your order details clearly. Negotiation is an essential part of the process. While vendors may initially quote higher prices, especially to tourists, a polite but firm negotiation can often lead to a better deal.
Beyond the main seafood stalls, don't miss the dry seafood market located opposite Le Méridien. Here, you can find items like ikan bilis (anchovies) and other dried seafood products, which make for great local souvenirs. When selecting a stall, look for ones that appear clean and well-maintained, as this often reflects the quality of their produce and preparation. Ultimately, a little patience and savvy shopping will ensure you have a delicious and memorable seafood feast at Sinsuran Night Market.
Experiencing the Local Vibe
The market is a fantastic place to immerse yourself in the local scene. Observe the interactions between vendors and customers, listen to the chatter, and soak in the energy. It's a sensory experience, from the aroma of grilled seafood to the sounds of the crowd and music. For photographers, the market offers endless opportunities to capture the essence of Kota Kinabalu after dark. The interplay of light and shadow, the colorful displays, and the candid moments of daily life provide rich subjects.
While the focus is often on seafood, the market also offers a glimpse into the daily lives of the local community. It's a place where people gather to socialize, shop, and enjoy the evening. By visiting Sinsuran Night Market, you're not just a tourist; you're experiencing a slice of authentic Kota Kinabalu life.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit